Project Introduction

I like to make videos of all styles and types. Short movies, documentaries, music videos, highlight reels and one of my most favorate, BMX and Skateboard Videos. And from that interest I made my first steadicam ever to use with my new DSLR camera back in November 2011 using only pvc plumbing, glue, black tape and a few screws.

Over the years I made two more versions with each new design improving and to the point where I hit a wall because I was technically limited to what I could make with the materials I had at my disposal. But now since technologies like 3D printing is accessible I to make a whole new version with a combination of the existing parts I use and new unique 3D printed parts. But before I get started I am going to give a little history of previous versions.

Version 1

Most of the parts for this and the other versions are made with 1 inch pvc plumbing, glue and screws.

I cant find a picture of version 1 unfortunately and i sold it back in 2010 for 20 euros. However it looks exactly version two so your not missing out.

The design is based on a YouTube tutorial titled "Camera Stabilizer Rig for Under $5" which was created my a guy called the Frugal Filmmaker and it was made exactly this way. I filled my version with lead to give it heft and used a bed made of lego glued together to test the camera on.

But I instanly had issues with it and moved onto making a new version.

Version 2

This was an improvement on the first version because it had a quick mount place that I took off an old tripod and I could take it apart in two halves for transportation by just loosening 2 screws.

I thought this was great until I went to Budapest in June 2012. The lesson I learned is that Airport Security in Dublin Airport do not like when you roll up lead and put it inside things. I was lucky enough that they didn't cut it open but I knew I had to go back to the drawing board.

Version 3

I started to working on this as soon as I got back from Budapest. But I found it really hard to come up with a new design so I didn't finish it until January of 2013 because i kept on going away and coming back.

My version 3 was a completely new design in comparison to the last two versions. This time it had more of a protective cage for the camera around it and this time there was no lead inside it.

The entire design could be completely dismantled because I drilled and hot-glued screws in at every joint so no more superglue!

This model was a real labour of love too. the top handle was made my glueing a right-angled pvc joint to an extension couplet cut in half and filled with hot glue for strength. I then used the handlebar mounts for bike lights as a means of attaching them to the main body of the steadicam.

The new design had its pros and cons but I still considered it a better design. This time I decided to use the same grips as I use on my BMX to make it feel nice and comfortable and enjoyable to use.

And the con was I had to move away from using the quick mount from the last design and use a tripod plate screw instead which made taking it in and out quite laborious.

This time around I hope to make what will be my last ever design. But the best one. And this time with 3D printed parts that I only would have dreamed of years ago.